Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The coronavirus (COVID-19) was silently circulating through the United States in mid-December, a federal study published Monday found, indicating the virus was spreading globally weeks before scientists and health officials previously thought.

The study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, analyzed blood samples collected by the American Red Cross in nine states from Dec. 13 to Jan. 17 and found evidence of coronavirus antibodies in 106 of 7,389 donations.

Specifically, 2% of results collected from California, Oregon and Washington (39 out of 1,912 samples collected from those areas) between Dec. 13 and Dec. 16, 2019 confirmed the presence of the virus. Additionally, antibodies were discovered in 67 samples from Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin in early January.

The presence of antibodies indicates an individual was exposed to the coronavirus and that an immune response was triggered.

The CDC previously analyzed seroprevalence the presence of a virus in a population based on blood samples in 10 different cities and states last spring and found the actual numbers of people infected with the virus was actually between two and 13 times higher than was previously confirmed through positive test results.

The latest CDC study adds to the growing evidence that the coronavirus was stealthily circulating through the U.S. and the rest of the world before health officials and the public were aware. While the first confirmed coronavirus case in the U.S. was reported on Jan. 19, the findings suggest the virus had already gained a foothold well before widespread testing was available.

Despite the research, the scientists who conducted the study said widespread community transmission was not likely until late February.

The scientists said the study also reaffirmed the value of blood donations as a source for conducting SARS-CoV2 surveillance, adding that the research will help broaden the understanding of the virus as cases, hospitalizations and deaths once again surge across the country.

Visit link:
Study sheds light on how early coronavirus started circulating in U.S. - SILive.com

Earths mantlethe 2,900-kilometer-thick layer of rock beneath the crustremains enigmatic, even to the scientists who study it.

When it comes to the deep Earth, which is one of the unexplored frontiers of our planet, we simply cant drill deep enough to make any measurements of temperature or composition, said Pritwiraj Moulik, a postdoctoral associate in the University of Marylands Department of Geology.

Thats why Moulik and other geologists are using seismological and other geophysical measurements to make a three-dimensional reference Earth model (REM-3D) of the mantle that can be used for everything from better understanding earthquakes to neutrino geosciences. The team will present project updates at AGUs Fall Meeting.

Scientists rely on measurements of seismic waves, which are produced by earthquakes or explosions, to map out the interior of Earth, similar to how doctors use computerized tomography to understand whats going on inside a patient. Because the velocity of a seismic wave varies depending on the temperature and makeup of what its traveling through, researchers can use those measurements to create 3D images of mantle features.

This process, called seismic tomography, is not new. But what makes the REM-3D project unique is that the team collected data and feedback from geologists and other scientists around the world. The number of data points is staggering: Researchers received 227 million surface wave measurements. And they incorporated four different kinds of waves, each of which better reflects a different part of the mantle, to finely tune the model.

Incorporating all of these diverse constraints and the broad expertise in the community is a challenge because there are substantial differences in techniques, said Moulik, who stressed that it was remarkable how much dataand timeother deep-Earth researchers contributed to the project.

Max Rudolph, an assistant professor in the University of California, Daviss Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, agreed that community involvement from deep-Earth researchers around the world makes this project stand out. And I think the fact that this has taken so long to come to maturity really reflects the monumental nature of the undertaking, he said.

In crunching the data, the team has already made new discoveries about the mantle. For example, there has been some debate among geologists about the structure of rare, thousands-of-kilometers-wide mantle upwellings. Members of the team were able to show that the lower parts of the upwellings have a different, denser composition than the upper parts, which allows them to last for hundreds of millions of years instead of being transient features, said Moulik.

Rudolph, who studies geological fluid mechanics, plans to use the 3D mantle representation in his own research to model mantle flows. He also envisions the new project serving as a launching point for smaller-scale models that could show finer levels of detail. Moulik echoed that idea, saying we want to be able to describe the haystack first with the 3D reference model before we go about finding needles.

The new model could also help seismologists more accurately measure the magnitude and other properties of earthquakes, which they currently often do by fitting individual seismogram measurements with older, one-dimensional reference models. And Moulik noted that techniques developed to make this model could eventually be used for similar efforts to probe the interiors of other rocky planets.

The model, as well as Web-based apps and underlying data sets, will ultimately be available to the public.

Elizabeth Gribkoff (@eliz_gribkoff), Science Writer

Visit link:
Geologists to Shed Light on the Mantle with 3D Model - Eos

A new proprietary survey by our sister publication Travel Weekly has revealed a wide gulf between how black and white travel professions view inclusion in the industry.

TWs findings were startling.

ADVERTISING

Of the 423 industry professionals responding to a recent Travel Weekly survey attempting to gauge perception on the topic, 53 percent agreed or strongly agreed the industry is diverse and inclusive, 22 percent were neutral, and 17 percent disagreed.

But breaking it down among the races proved a far more disparate view.

Trending Now

Among white respondents, the percentage who agreed or strongly agreed was 61 percent. But among the 15 percent of the respondents who indicated they were black, the same percentage 61 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed that the industry is diverse and inclusive, while 23 percent indicated a neutral position, and 15 percent believe it is.

One Black 25-year industry veteran commented that, for the 10 years that she worked for a large corporate agency, I was the only Black agent in all the Southern California branches. When I was promoted to agency manager, I had the opportunity to hire several Black agents, but we were still grossly underrepresented in my company. In the area of leadership, Black representation was even worse.

And it wasn't just employment within the industry. Another concern that came up repeatedly in comments had to do with the lack of people of color in sales collateral or advertising imagery. Among the comments:

Few advertising media display persons of color despite the fact that much of their revenue is derived from this group.

Marketing and advertising for leisure travel overwhelmingly caters to and features white travelers.

Especially with upscale and luxury suppliers, marketing assets are not diverse and inclusive. Representation is sparse.

You can find the entire survey, all of its questions, all of its responses and an interpretation here on the Travel Weekly site.

Link:
New Survey Sheds Light on Diversity and Inclusion in Travel Industry - TravelPulse

Flamboyant India all-rounder Hardik Pandya opened up on the time after the infamous Koffee with Karan controversy. In 2019 Hardik and KL Rahul were invited on a popular chat show hosted by Bollywood director and producer Karan Johar Koffee with Karan. The episode was aired officially on January 6 and within hours it was much-talk about event of the year. During the show, Hardik made some misogynistic and sexist comments which led to a huge controversy. Later, the all-rounder took to Twitter and apologized for hurting peoples sentiments. Both Hardik and Rahul were suspended by BCCI, which was lifted after some time and they were fined Rs. 20 Lakhs.

Pandya talked about the incident and said he didnt even know what misogynistic meant at that time.

I really didnt know what misogynistic meant. At first, I laughed thinking it was some word being used to make fun of me. Then a friend said, it means someone who strongly dislikes women, Pandya told Times of India.

How can I dislike women? Mom, didi (sister), bhabhi (sister-in-law), Natasa theyre all women. I adore them. My home is all about women. We are, because they are, he added.

The flamboyant all-rounder got married earlier this year with Natasa Stankovic and also became a father.

Pandya further talked about life after the incident and said that he had to lock himself as everything around him started to crumble.

For the first time, I wasnt in control of my own life. Everything around me started to crumble. I had to lock myself up. If not for my family, Id have lost a great deal of everything. They were and continue to remain the backbone the women in my family, he further said.

Today, its my turn to be the backbone of my family, Pandya added.

He also talked about the struggles he faced during his early days and how cricket changed his life and put perspective to it.

I grew up in a family where there was absolute freedom. We were taught to make our own decisions. Ill give my son the same freedom.

We were raised in very tough times. Money was always an issue in the family. We struggled. But we were happy. Cricket gave me and my brother something to fight for. Cricket is once again putting my life in perspective, he signed off.

Hardik is currently representing the Indian team in Australia for the limited-overs series. The 27-year-old has been in sensational form as he scored 210 runs in three-match ODI series against the Australian team.

See original here:
Hardik Pandya Sheds Light on Koffee with Karan Controversy, Says 'I Wasnt in Control of my Own Life' - Cricket Country News

The FIA says it will analyse "every aspect" of Romain Grosjean's Bahrain GP crash and "collaborate with all parties involved" in the dramatic accident.

Grosjean's 53G impact with the barriers last Sunday led to the Haas' survivor cell piercing the Armco and to a raging inferno that were cause for concern according to F1 boss Ross Brawn.

From the Haas' trajectory and resistance and how it absorbed the formidable energy upon impact, to the efficiency of the barriers and the performance of Grosjean's personal safety equipment, the FIA's forensic investigation will leave no stone unturned as it breaks down every stage or component of the event.

The role of the track marshals and F1's medical team will also be assessed.

"As with all serious accidents, we will analyse every aspect of this crash and collaborate with all parties involved," said FIA safety director Adam Baker.

"With so much data available in F1, it allows us to accurately determine every element of what occurred and this work has already begun.

"We take this research very seriously, and will follow a rigorous process to find out exactly what happened before proposing potential improvements."

The governing body's investigators will rely on data gathered from "various video streams, including a high speed camera which faces the driver and films at 400 frames per-second to reveal in slow motion what happens to him during the accident".

"Data will also be gathered from the in-car accident data recorder, which will reveal the speed and forces on the car, and the in-ear accelerometers that are moulded to fit inside a driver's ear canal to measure the movement of his head in a crash," said the FIA.

The investigation is expected to take around 6-8 weeks to complete before findings are made public.

All information and data will be added to the FIA's world accident database while the governing body's Serious Accident Study Group [SASG] will use the relevant information across other FIA disciplines for the purpose of improving safety.

Haas

The FIA lost no time to kick off its investigation, with its technical delegate Jo Bauer and head of competitor safety Nuno Costa visiting Haas on Monday to examen the remains of Grosjean's Haas VF-20.

"They were here yesterday, if I say a whole day maybe I exaggerate, but at least six hours, Jo Bauer and Nuno Costa , they were inspecting everything," Haas team boss Guenther Steiner said on Tuesday.

"But they have done with the car, we can take the car back, they have done all their work, but there is no outcome yet. For sure when they do these investigations they can come up with things that can be developed for the future, to be even safer.

"As far as I know they have no issues with our car at all, everything was to regulations."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Excerpt from:
FIA sheds light on how it's investigating Grosjean crash - F1i.com

The European Space Agency has released the most detailed map yet of the Milky Way, shedding new light on the workings of our galaxy.

It contains data gathered by the Gaia observatory, which took off from Earth in 2013 and began observing stars in July 2014.

The new Gaia data hasallowed astronomers to trace older and younger stars out towards the very edge of our galaxy -the galacticanti-centre -and even predict the movement of stars over the next 1.6 million years.

This movement is imperceptible to the unaided eye, but is being measured with increasing precision by Gaia and an animation shows the motions of 40,000 stars starting from their current position.

Gaia data sets were previously released in 2016 and 2018.

The spacecraft has recorded the same stars several times by now and is, therefore, able to calculate movements and make predictions more accurately.

Read the original here:
3D map of Milky Way sheds light on workings of galaxy - RTE.ie

World Disability Day is celebrated on December 3rd to mark the importance of people living with disabilities. This years theme is to provide an inclusive society and culture for the needs of people with disability in all aspects. Heres how Rani Mukerji, the eminent Bollywood actress, stepped in to speak about the relevance of this day.

World Disability Day this year thrives on key messages that focus on providing an inclusive culture for the disabled people, giving them the highest standards of health and well-being and removing any discriminatory barriers. The Covid-19 pandemic has given an opportunity to build back better health systems so that they are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of people living with disabilities.

On this day, the talented Bollywood actress, Rani Mukerji took an opportunity to speak about the need to be an inclusive and empowering society.

I learnt a lot about humanity by doing these outstanding, sensitive films like Black and Hichki. I think these films contributed to making me a better human being and Im fortunate that I got to do these films and be a part of such beautiful cinematic visions of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Siddharth P. Malhotra. I hope these films managed to spark the right conversations in society about the need to treat everyone as an equal, said Rani Mukerji.

Rani Mukherji has always been a pioneering actress, leading the way in reel life and in real life both.Critics and audiences rate her performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Black to be her masterpiece and her acting in Hichki, as one of her best performances. Her excellent acting as a specially-abled girl Michelle McNally in Black, who strikes a beautiful and soulful bond with her teacher, and her portrayal of a confident Tourette Syndrome patient, Naina Mathur, looking to stamp her presence in this world in the superhit Hichki, helped initiate fundamental societal conversations about inclusivity and the need for equality in the society.

She adds, I learnt about the resolve of people who are determined to triumph despite all odds stacked up against them, their dreams, their aspirations and essaying these powerful girls on screen, made me a stronger human being. Im grateful that I can talk, see, hear and I realised that, as human beings, we might be taking these things for granted.

Rani says cataloguing of human beings because of their handicap must end at all cost. She says, For me, Black and Hichki were emotional experiences that opened my eyes more towards inclusivity for all, kindness and gratitude for what we have. As citizens of this country, we must all do our bit to constantly bring conversations about inclusivity and equality to the fore. Every citizen has rights and I realised that there is a lot of work that we all need to put in, individually, to stop discrimination and stereotyping of individuals like those I have portrayed in Black and Hichki.

Also Read:National Pollution Control Day 2020: 9 Ways to take initiatives for pollution control to save the environment

x Your comment has been submitted to the moderation queue

See original here:
World Disability Day: Rani Mukerji sheds light on the need to be an inclusive society - PINKVILLA

4:50pm, 02 December 2020

NZ Herald

Scott Robertson has shed light on his potential involvement with the British and Irish Lions, admitting its highly likely he joins Warren Gatlands coaching staff.

The Crusaders coach revealed in August after missing out on the All Blacks job to Ian Foster, he approached Gatland about joining the team in their tour of South Africa in 2021, with a desire to fill out his CV with international coaching experience.

Robertson says hes in ongoing talks with Lions management, which have been promising.

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod discuss the performance of super sub Will Jordan in the All Blacks 38-0 win over the Pumas in their final Tri-Nations match.

Weve had some good conversations the last couple of weeks around the opportunity. Im looking at potentially being involved with the team, that could play against the Springboks and then stay on in some capacity.

It wasnt an assistant role I was wanting it was a learning opportunity for me, [to] help a lot around the professional development and support their current coaching group, it wasnt about being an assistant as such.

Those conversations are continuing its a highly likely chance, Im finding ways I can get there.

Any involvement will follow on from the 46-year-olds duties in Super Rugby, where he will look to win a fifth consecutive title with the Canterbury franchise in next year.

The experience Robertson is after will ideally aid in him landing a more prominent role, likely outside of New Zealand, should his time with the Crusaders finish up soon.

Robertson earlier revealed he had aspirations to coach oversees, and recognised the sensitive timing around roles on the international market. He played in France for three years to learn French, in the hope of boosting his chances to coach there one day.

The Lions series in South Africa kicks-off on July 3, with the three tests running on three consecutive weekends from July 24.

Meanwhile, Robertson has this morning revealed his squad for next years Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign, and will need to utilise the depth within his squad right off the bat.

All Black Braydon Ennor is out for the entire season with an ACL injury, while fellow international George Bridge along with Manasa Mataele with miss the start of the season, both with pectoral injuries.

That will see the likes of Leicester Faingaanuku and Dallas McLeod relied on more in the first team, players Robertson has touted as having big seasons in 2021.

Weve got a lot of guys that can play in multiple positions.

Leicester during Mitre 10 Cup was carrying a few people out the on the field, hes an awesome talent. If you want to win championships you need depth and if George is out, Leicester comes in. Theres great completion in all positions.

Listen to the latest episode of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod below:

This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and is republished with permission.

Sign up to our mailing list for a weekly digest from the wide world of rugby.

See the article here:
Scott Robertson sheds further light on 'likely' role with British and Irish Lions - RugbyPass

Colt McCoy makes pass vs. Bengals

Heading into practice on Wednesday, Giants head coach Joe Judge said that backup QB Colt McCoy will take a majority of the first-team reps as the team prepares for their matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Daniel Jones is still working hard to get healthy, but there was an outside chance that he would be ready to go.

So the Giants are potentially getting ready for a McCoy-led offense, which will be his first start since Week 5 of last year when the Washington Football Team played the New England Patriots. It was a 33-7 loss for McCoy and his previous start after that came in Week 13 of the 2018 season with the Football Team again a 28-13 loss to the Eagles where he completed all four of his passes before the ball was given to Mark Sanchez instead. One more start in the week prior of that season was also a loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

In fact, McCoy hasn't won a start since Week 8 of the 2014 season.

But that didnt deter Judge from saying that he is extremely confident in the veterans abilities if and when he has to go under center for the Giants.

I have a lot of confidence in Colt, he told reporters Wednesday via Zoom. The way this guy comes to work every day and prepares and then every chance he gets on the field to compete look, Ive been able to coach against this guy and now hes with us right now. You can see how competitive he is. Hes got a lot of instincts, a lot of savvy, and draws on his experience. Hes a tough dude. Hes mentally tough, hes physically tough and hes a guy whos very well respected on this team in the locker room and on the field. The guys like Colt and they rally around him.

Trust from players and coaches goes a long way, but what exactly do the Giants like about McCoy that makes them feel that way? Well, QB coach Jerry Schuplinski made it clear last night that McCoy had a great training camp that impressed defensive coordinator Patrick Graham given he was lighting up his defense during practices.

Story continues

When you also take a look back at those performances from McCoy, youll see a quarterback who can roam the pocket and as Judge pointed out use instincts to feel pressure and make plays happen. However, there are times when McCoy does scramble and seems to panic, causing turnovers. He had three interceptions in that game against the Cowboys despite throwing for over 250 yards (he also threw for two touchdowns).

But there are a couple of things working in McCoys favor that the Giants will hope can be utilized on Sunday no matter who's quarterbacking.

For one, the offensive line is improving by the week and that not only helps Wayne Gallman & Co. in the run game, but it should help McCoy from running around for his life. And make no mistake: The Giants will most likely try to pound the ball on the Seahawks, kill clock and limit Russell Wilsons time with the ball in his hands. McCoy will, then, be tasked with making the necessary throws to game manage and get points on the board kind of like what happened when Jones went down this past Sunday.

Well, I think the line obviously throughout the year works together and made a lot of improvement, Judge said. I think its a reflection of how these guys are able to compete through games together and how thats improved.

Also, it helps that McCoy and the Giants will be playing against one of the worst defenses in the league this year. Forget what happened on Monday night against the Eagles because Philly has its own issues on offense. Despite the record, the Seahawks are allowing an atrocious 418.1 yards per game. And most of that yardage comes through the air 328.8 per game to be exact.

So while the front seven might be solid in the run game, McCoy should be able to find his plethora of weapons on the outside open. Evan Engram will be a target to watch considering Seattle has allowed 585 yards and five touchdowns to tight ends this season. Dallas Goedert had his way with Jamal Adams, for example, on Monday night. Theres also Golden Tate and Sterling Shepard with very reliable short-to-medium route trees that should be able to work.

Will the deep ball be available? Maybe if the Seahawks get too lax. But the Giants should be banking on McCoy to hit his shorter throws whether that be designed screens, hitches and digs that will eat up chunks of yards and clock.

The Giants are an improving team by the week and their three-game win streak shows it. If Jones cant go, it will be up to McCoy to rely on his instincts and work with that improvement. Try not to do too much and make sure the ball stays away from Seattles offense. That is where the Giants can come away with an upset and keep their NFC East lead intact.

Read more:
Colt McCoy's recent starts shed light on what Giants' game plan should be if he plays in Week 13 - Yahoo Sports

The RodneySubmitting Company: Ankrom Moisan ArchitectsLocation: PortlandCost: $66 millionStart Date: September 1, 2015Completion Date: October 1, 2019Owner/Developer: 14th & Glisan Investors, LPArchitect: Ankrom Moisan ArchitectsStructural Engineer: CKC Structural EngineersCivil Engineer: DOWLConsultants: ACS Testing, Acoustics by Design, Cardno, CKC Structural Engineers, Code Unlimited, Data-Tel Communications, DOWL, Earth Advantage, Kittelson & Associates, Morrison Herschfield, Navix Engineering, Terra Associates, Vida DesignGeneral Contractor: Holland ConstructionSubcontractors: Affordable Window Coverings, BASCO-Builders Alliance Supply Co., Benelli Construction, Bergelectric, Bridgewell Interiors, Buffalo Welding, Cascadia Windows & Doors, Compaction and Recycling Equipment, Crawford Door, Culver Glass, De-El Enterprises, DeSantis Landscape, Exteriors Design, Floor Solutions, Fredinburg Masonry, Gonsalves & Santucci dba Conco, Huntco, Icon 3D Signs, Imperial Steel Craft, InstaFab, Jet Industries, JS Perrott, KONE, Lanz Cabinets, LDC, Malcolm Drilling, McDonald & Wetle, MEI Group A Moore Excavation Co., NW Construction Services, Pacific Stair, Parcel Pending, Patriot Fire Protection, Peninsula Painting, Sawtooth Caulking, Snyder Roofing of Oregon, Wall to Wall Stone, Western Partitions, Williamsen & Bleid, You and I Construction

Crowned with a 360-degree rooftop deck, The Rodney residential tower offers a mix of layouts from urban studios to penthouses. The 16-story structure houses 230 units and 6,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. The Rodney is enrolled in the city of Portlands Multiple Unit Limited Tax Exemption program, and 20 percent of the buildings units are set aside for low-income housing.

The base of the building pays homage to the history of the old warehouses scattered throughout the Pearl District. As the tower climbs vertically, the rigidity and heaviness of the base begin to lighten and a glassier aesthetic begins to emerge. Designers wanted to challenge the traditional notion of a residential lobby and created an active gathering space for group events and a coworking atmosphere for residents.

The LEED Platinum building features water management systems and landscaping; high-capacity bike parking; low-emitting vehicle priority parking; and low VOC materials. Much of the building demolished to make way for The Rodney was recycled, and the project achieved 85 percent construction waste reduction.

The project team also created a parklet near the building because there is a lack of open space in the western edge of the Pearl District.

Here is the original post:
The Rodney - 2nd Place (Multifamily) Daily Journal of Commerce - Daily Journal of Commerce